As part of the Emerging Capabilities Development (ECD) Systems Engineering Integration and Test (SEIT) organization, you will help develop and mature forward-leaning Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW) solutions and products. You will work in a dynamic, innovative environment and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to create capabilities that meet customer needs and provide a competitive edge.
You will join our Radio Frequency (RF) SEIT group within Central Region Engineering in Rolling Meadows, IL, supporting a leading global provider of advanced, secure, and agile software-defined systems. Our state-of-the-art RFEW systems are designed to protect U.S. and Allied warfighters in present and future conflicts.
In this role, you will develop and test RF and digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms, build and validate complex models and simulations, and support integration of these algorithms into prototype systems for lab and field demonstrations, often under aggressive timelines. You will primarily use MATLAB and HFSS for algorithm development and electromagnetic modeling, with C/C++ used to support implementation and integration activities. Strong technical communication and documentation skills are essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and test RF/DSP algorithms for RFEW applications using MATLAB.
- Develop, validate, and maintain HFSS models and simulations for RF propagation, antenna performance, and RF signal chains.
- Analyze system and subsystem performance and support trade studies to optimize system architectures and algorithms.
- Collaborate with firmware, hardware, and software teams to integrate algorithms and HFSS-derived designs into prototype hardware and software systems.
- Prepare and deliver clear technical presentations and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
This is a full-time, on-site position at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.
This position may be contingent upon funding/contract award, special access program, and acquiring and maintaining the necessary U.S. Government security clearance per customer requirements prior to start.
This position can be filled at the Systems Engineer (Electrical Engineering) or Principal Systems Engineer (Electrical Engineering) level.
Basic Qualifications for Systems Engineer (Electrical Engineering)
- BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Related technical degree with 2+ years of Related experience or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Related technical field
- Demonstrated experience in digital signal processing
- Hands-on experience with MATLAB for modeling, simulation, or algorithm development.
- Demonstrated experience creating and delivering technical presentations.
- Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen
- Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain at least a Secret clearance with additional customer-specified access prior to start date as required.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Engineer (Electrical Engineering)
- BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Related technical degree with 5+ years of related experience; OR MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Related technical field with 3+ years related experience; OR, PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Related technical field with 1+ year of related experience
- Demonstrated experience in digital signal processing
- Hands-on experience with MATLAB for modeling, simulation, or algorithm development.
- Demonstrated experience creating and delivering technical presentations.
- Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen
- Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain at least a Secret clearance with additional customer-specified access prior to start date as required.
Preferred Qualifications
- BS with 5+ years, MS with 3+ years, or PhD with 1+ years; degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM field.
- Strong background in physics and mathematics (e.g., electromagnetics, signals and systems, probability/statistics).
- Academic or industry experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Computational electromagnetics or wave theory
- RF propagation modeling
- Antenna design and characterization
- RF chain analysis and modeling
- Embedded software design and test
- Anechoic chamber measurement experience
- Experience with HFSS (or similar full-wave EM simulation tools) for RF/antenna modeling and analysis.
- Familiarity with C/C++ for algorithm implementation or integration.
- Experience applying RF/DSP algorithms and EM simulations in laboratory or field-test environments.
- Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 25%.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field with 2+ years of related experience for the Systems Engineer level
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field for the Systems Engineer level
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field with 5+ years of related experience for the Principal Systems Engineer level
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field with 3+ years of related experience for the Principal Systems Engineer level
- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field with 1+ year of related experience for the Principal Systems Engineer level
- Demonstrated experience in digital signal processing
- Hands-on experience with MATLAB for modeling, simulation, or algorithm development
- Experience creating and delivering technical presentations
- U.S. citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain at least a Secret security clearance with additional customer-specified access
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM field
- Strong background in physics and mathematics, including electromagnetics, signals and systems, and probability/statistics
- Experience in computational electromagnetics or wave theory
- Experience in RF propagation modeling
- Experience in antenna design and characterization
- Experience in RF chain analysis and modeling
- Experience in embedded software design and testing
- Anechoic chamber measurement experience
- Experience with HFSS or similar full-wave electromagnetic simulation tools
- Familiarity with C or C++ for algorithm implementation or integration
- Experience applying RF/DSP algorithms and electromagnetic simulations in laboratory or field-test environments
- Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 25%
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
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